Furnace Replacement cost: Florence vs Montgomery (2026)
In 2026, furnace replacement is about 4% less expensive in Florence than in Montgomery. Most homeowners pay around $4,850 in Florence versus $5,050 in Montgomery — a gap of roughly $200.
Florence AL
Lower costTypically around $4,850
Montgomery AL
Typically around $5,050
Florence vs Montgomery: full breakdown
| Factor | Florence | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $4,850 | $5,050 |
| Estimated range | $3,450–$6,200 | $3,600–$6,450 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.9 | ×0.94 |
| Climate zone | Hot | Hot |
| Climate factor | ×0.95 | ×0.95 |
| Local permit | $175 | $200 |
| Labor share | $2,900 | $3,050 |
| Materials/equipment | $1,950 | $2,000 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for furnace replacement, not quotes from a contractor.
Is the gap worth worrying about?
A 4% difference on furnace replacement is minor — you'll typically see a wider spread just from getting multiple quotes in the same city, so don't let location drive the decision.
Furnace replacement by type: Florence vs Montgomery
Each furnace replacement option, priced separately for both metros — the same local labor, climate and permit adjustments applied per city, so you can compare like for like.
| Type | Florence | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Gas furnace | $3,350–$6,100 | $3,500–$6,350 |
| High-efficiency gas furnace | $3,000–$6,100 | $3,150–$6,350 |
| Electric furnace | $1,900–$4,050 | $2,000–$4,200 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national furnace replacement range for local labor, climate and permits.
Furnace replacement by home size: Florence vs Montgomery
Furnace cost scales with the heating capacity (BTU) your home needs — roughly 40–45 BTU per square foot in a mixed climate. Larger homes need a bigger unit and more ductwork.
| Size | Florence | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (≈45,000 BTU) | $2,600–$4,650 | $2,700–$4,850 |
| 1,500 sq ft (≈68,000 BTU) | $3,000–$5,350 | $3,150–$5,550 |
| 2,000 sq ft (≈90,000 BTU) | $3,450–$6,200 | $3,600–$6,450 |
| 2,500 sq ft (≈110,000 BTU) | $3,950–$7,050 | $4,150–$7,350 |
| 3,000 sq ft (≈130,000 BTU) | $4,450–$7,900 | $4,650–$8,250 |
| 3,500+ sq ft (≈150,000 BTU) | $5,000–$8,750 | $5,200–$9,150 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for furnace replacement — get an actual quote before you commit.
Cheapest time for furnace replacement in either city
HVAC demand collapses in the mild shoulder seasons, so installers discount to keep crews busy. The most expensive time to buy is during a heat wave or cold snap, when a dead system forces a full-price emergency replacement.
How much should you really budget for HVAC in 2026?
What you pay for HVAC hinges less on the badge than on how the quote is built — the load calculation behind it, the efficiency tier, and the markup. Our take on where each one lands.
The budget-first case
Size the system to your home with a Manual J calculation and buy the standard efficiency tier (80% AFUE / 14.3 SEER2). In a mild climate the cheaper unit pays off because you rarely run it hard — paying for premium efficiency you won't use is the most common way to overspend.
The efficiency-first case
In a hot-summer or cold-winter region, a higher SEER2/AFUE unit — or a heat pump — earns its premium back in lower bills, and utility and state rebates can still cut into the sticker (the federal 25C/25D credits ended Dec 2025). Run the payback math before defaulting to the cheapest box.
The longevity case
The single biggest cost driver isn't the brand — it's correct sizing and install quality. A properly sized, well-commissioned mid-tier system with annual maintenance outlasts an oversized premium unit that short-cycles. Spend on the install, not the badge.
Skip the brand debate. A correctly sized system, an efficiency tier that fits your climate, and a properly commissioned install will save you more than any label ever could.
Florence vs Montgomery
Is furnace replacement cheaper in Florence or Montgomery?
Yes — Montgomery costs more. Expect around $5,050 for furnace replacement there against $4,850 in Florence, about $200 (4%) apart in 2026.
Why does furnace replacement cost more in Montgomery than Florence?
It comes down to labor: Montgomery indexes at 0.94 against Florence's 0.9. The hot-vs-hot climate difference, plus permit fees, adds to the gap.
How much is furnace replacement in Florence, AL?
In Florence, furnace replacement typically runs $3,450–$6,200 in 2026, with most homeowners paying around $4,850.
When is the cheapest time to buy furnace replacement — and does it differ by city?
It doesn't vary by location — Spring and fall (Mar–May, Sep–Oct) is the discount window in both Florence and Montgomery (roughly 5–15% off), while peak summer and mid-winter tends to be the most expensive in either city.
Should I choose where to live based on furnace replacement cost?
Not really — the $200 gap is one-time, and smart timing and tighter quotes in Montgomery can shrink it. Factors that compound over time, like energy prices and home condition, deserve more weight than a single upfront difference.
Compare furnace replacement in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik